Detective Senior Constable Justin Stanton of Casey crime investigations unit said residents heard the truck "beeping" as it reversed out of the park around 2.30am.

Police then followed the truck along Princes Highway and attempted to intercept it on the intersection of the Monash Freeway.

The vehicle evaded police and continued along the road with the cable dragging from the rear.

It made several turns near Webb Street, Narre Warren, before knocking over a light pole.

The cable fell off the back of the vehicle on impact.

Two Narre Warren men, aged 26 and 22, were arrested a short time later and a third man, 33, of Carrum Downs, was nabbed after a search warrant was issued.

Detective Senior Constable Stanton said the men were not first-time offenders.

He said copper wire theft had become a reasonably common offence with the wiring often ending up at a number of local metal recyclers.

"Metal recyclers need to show responsibility to the public when buying copper wiring."

Two of the men were charged and bailed to appear at the Dandenong Magistrates Court in February.

The third was remanded in custody awaiting bail application.

Anyone with information or who may have witnessed a similar crime has been asked to contact Detective Senior Constable Justin Stanton at Casey CIU on 9705 3114.